Let Lampwork Adorn Your Life

 Lampwork beads, once a relative rarity, have been gain popularity for the past few years. Some are purchased to be adored as part of a larger collection, while many are used to create stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. However, many creative artists are showing the world that lampwork beads need not be confined to any one category.

 

Lampwork Bead Pen from Beyond the Bead

Many artists are experimenting with different forms, so that the beauty of lampwork can also be paired with function. Showcased below are three lampwork artists who have taken their bead art to the next level, creating objects of art that can be used everyday.

 

 

Michelle, from Beyond the Bead ( http://www.beyondthebead.com ), wanted to create something with her lampwork that her father would actually use. Since dear old dad didn’t wear any jewelry except his wedding band, she looked to items that would be functional such as pens, bookmarks and wine stoppers. The lampwork bead pens, one of which is pictured below, are popular with her customers who want a custom-made pen for their business, friends or family.

 

Glass Door Pull from Beadskadoo

Patricia, from Beadskadoo ( http://www.beadskadoo.com ), loves melting glass. She also has an interest in refinishing old cabinets. She had refurbished a side table, and couldn’t find an interesting drawer pull to compliment the piece. With a little ingenuity and some hot glass, Patricia created a glass door pull that made the table one-of-a-kind. She confesses that she is tempted to put her glass pulls on everything she works on now, and she offers them on her website and in her Etsy shop.

 

 Our third artist, Lara Lutrick ( http://www.laralutrick.com ), has been making lampwork beads since 1997. As her dad is a woodturner, it was only a matter of time before the two would combine creative forces to create pieces that are truly unique. An exhibit for collaborative works between members of the American Association of Woodturners, and the International Society of Glass Beads gave them the perfect venue to debut their art. Lara prefers to create organic style beads, which compliment her father’s wooden pieces exceptionally well.

Collaborative pieces by David and Lara Lutrick

 For fans of lampwork beads, the creations of the above artists are certain to be exciting; who doesn’t want items that are beautiful and functional? Add this to the fact that the artist-made lampwork immediately lends a one-of-a-kind handmade charm to any object, and you can begin to see how you can adorn your life with lampwork.